Richard F.

Beston, Sr

Kind, Loving, And Wise

Richard F. Beston, Sr, 76, died January 12, at his home in Newtown, with his family present. He was born May 16, 1934, in New York City, the only son of Elizabeth F. and Daniel J. Beston.

Mr Beston was an accomplished All Hallows High School pitcher in the Bronx, and one of his proudest moments was being offered a contract with the Detroit Tigers’ farm team. He declined, and pursued a college education, graduating from Manhattan College in 1956, and receiving his master’s in business administration in 1957 from Columbia University.

He serve in the US Air Force from 1957 to 1960, concluding his military career as a captain. He joined IBM Corporation, where he remained for 28 years, subsequently becoming a senior vice president of operations for SRA. He retired from IBM Headquarters in Armonk as director of personnel planning. He served a senior vice president for three years with the Drake, Beam, Morin consulting firm. His wisdom helped many professionals chart new career paths.

He moved in 1993 to Sanibel Island, Fla., where he was involved in church activities and served as president of his home association. He helped run the City Recreation Department tennis program and participated in team tennis at the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club. He enjoyed playing bridge with good friends and following the exploits of the New York Yankees and New York Giants.

Mr Beston was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was a man admired for his clear thinking, wise advice, and range of knowledge on many subjects. He was loved for his legendary sense of humor and inherent kindness.

His greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Edna Mae; and his five children and spouses, Veronica and Joseph, Rick and Emerald, Peter and Paddy, Paul and Emma, and David and Kim. He leaves behind nine wonderful grandchildren; a sister-in-law; and a niece and five nephews. Happy memories of Mr Beston will sustain his presence in his family’s future.

A wake was held January 14, at Bethel Funeral Home, and a funeral Mass was celebrated January 15, at St Mary Church in Bethel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at www.Parkinson.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/index.asp.

Online condolences may be offered at www.HullFuneralService.com.

The Newtown Bee        January 21, 2011